It could be argued that the first SparkMaker 3D printer landed with a whimper, rather than the disruptive clatter you might hope for from a sub-$300 LCD-based SLA machine. Lackluster reviews and a long list of backers disappointed with the machine they received sadly pointed to yet another 3D printing Kickstarter to not quite live up to the hype.
Looking to quickly move on and improve upon the foundation built with the SparkMaker, WOW! has announced a follow-up campaign for a new machine.
Called the SparkMaker FHD, the new machine uses the same bottom-up SLA printing style and LCD-based tech as its predecessor, selectively curing resin to build a model layer by layer.
The notable difference between the original SparkMaker and the SparkMaker FHD however, is the titular full HD (FHD) LCD panel in the new machine. Promising a full 1080P LCD screen at 110 x 61.8mm for an X/Y dimensional resolution of 57 microns — compared to the original SparkMaker’s 100 micron X/Y resolution over a smaller 102 x 56mm screen — the new machine should be capable of larger, higher detail prints.
Live as of today, the Kickstarter campaign has already blown through its modest goal of $50,000. At the time of publishing the tally stands at $127,948 from 550 backers, showing there’s no loss of appetite on the platform for potentially non-existent printers at early-bird prices.
SparkMaker FHD: What Else?
As you may have gathered, by sticking with the SparkMaker sub-branding the new SparkMaker FHD alludes to an evolution of the original machine.
Indeed, from the outside, you likely wouldn’t be able to tell the two apart. Inside, however, there are a number of proposed changes beyond the updated panel to set the two apart.
In response to user feedback WOW! aims to expand the ways in which you can print with the new SparkMaker, adding wireless app connectivity by Bluetooth for online printing alongside the existing SD card offline printing.
Additionally, the resin tank of the FHD is said to be constructed from metal. What the exact benefit of this is over the original machine’s plastic tank, we’re not sure. There are user reports of easily damaged and leaking FEP films in the tanks of the original, so perhaps this is an effort to remedy how the printer handles resin.
A similar hardware change is proposed in the switch from an integrated screw-motor driven Z-axis for a coupler connecting the lead screw to the motor.
In all, it appears to be an ambitious update for a still relatively new machine. It is to be applauded that WOW! is attempting to fix the things that are widely accepted as the sticking points of the original SparkMaker.
But for the crowdfunding backers to have only just received their printers in the last couple of months, however, it’s probably a tough pill to swallow. Perhaps they can take solace in WOW! offering an upgrade kit for their old machines.
Live now, you can check the SparkMaker FHD out for yourself over on Kickstarter. The final proposed retail of the printer, should it make it to production, is $499. Current early bird pledges could (we repeat: could — there are no guarantees with Kickstarter campaigns) receive the printer for as little as $249.
Read more: 8 Things to Watch for When Backing a 3D Printing Kickstarter
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